He Saves the Day - Hardcover

reschool-Grade 1--The fun begins as soon as a boy bursts into the backyard, toy airplane in hand. Flying comes first, and then he takes some turns in his race car. An encounter with a pirate ship, a trip to the jungle, and a ride on a noble steed all follow in quick succession. Each mini adventure is fraught with danger-crashes, villainy, and dragon flames-and every time the boy emerges successful, "HE SAVES THE DAY!" Finally the challenges are too much; he falls, he bawls, and this time it's Mom to the rescue: "SHE SAVES THE DAY!" A touching and satisfying coda explains, "He can't save them all!" The snappy text uses natural, unforced rhymes and repetition to great effect. Original in presentation and yet exploring traditional themes, the text works in seamless partnership with Cravath's gouache-and-ink illustrations to get readers' imaginations soaring along with the boy's. The exuberant art creates both the reality (a summer backyard scene) and the flights of fancy. The orange-haired child has a beguiling smile; his sidekick, a pup, is a constant companion. Bright colors, broad strokes, a cartoon style, and a flowing design give immediacy and energy to the pages. Then, too, there's Mom, the lady brave, whose reassuring presence frames the tale. This book demands to be read aloud. The energy contained within coupled with the innocent joy of imaginative play are engaging and satisfying.
Martha Topol, Traverse Area District Library, Traverse City, MI
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